CHR: NPA should surrender those responsible for Masbate landmine blast

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Thursday said the New People’s Army (NPA) should identify and surrender those who were responsible for the Masbate landmine blast that killed a 21-year-old football player and his cousin.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the NPA, have admitted responsibility for the improvised explosive device (IED) blast that killed Far Eastern University athlete Kieth Absalon and his cousin Nolven on Sunday morning.

The CPP said the incident was caused by “errors of an NPA unit” and also acknowledged that it was a violation of international law. 

“If the NPA is serious and sincere about taking accountability for the IED killing of civilians in Masbate—beyond owning responsibility, offering indemnity, and promising an investigation — they should identify all those responsible and surrender them to the lawful authorities to face justice within the court system,” the CHR said.

“They should likewise be held accountable for all other crimes they have perpetrated in violation of international humanitarian and human rights laws since they began pursuing this armed conflict,” it added.

The CHR earlier said it has begun investigating the landmine blast. 

The Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines have also been ordered to conduct a manhunt for the suspects. 

The Department of National Defense, meanwhile, said it was doubtful of the CPP-NPA’s statement expressing remorse over the incident.

The blast has been roundly condemned as an international crime. —Julia Mari Ornedo/KBK, GMA News

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/790714/palace-alleged-npa-landmine-killing-of-labor-leader-footballer-the-worst-crime/story/